oenone.ablaze writes: Apple filed a patent for a system that will track 'abuse events' experienced by electronic devices, ostensibly including iPhones. Apparently they suspect that a good amount of warranty replacements for things like iPhones are the result of consumer error rather than defects. Already, iPods and iPhones have color-changing sensors that detect exposure to moisture, but this system would be able to detect and record physical shocks, high temperatures, and opening of the device's case. I wonder what recourse consumers with legitimately defective products will have if the system registers a false alarm--what happens when the spy itself is broken?